Ausec will lead the group's consumer event sales and digital sales efforts. More specifically, he will lead the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows expansion program which includes new shows in Atlanta (Nov. 2-4) and Indianapolis (Feb. 15-17) during the 2012-13 tour, Advanstar announced. Advanstar is the parent company of Dealernews.

Ausec is an industry veteran with more than 14 years of international and domestic sales experience. Most recently he was district sales manager for Dominion Enterprises’ Cycle Trader and RV Trader digital brands, CRM solutions, website solutions, and data management systems.

“Mike impressed us with the marketing solutions and sales growth he drove while at Dominion. He brings that same professionalism, customer service and strategic expertise to the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows tour as we expand the services we offer to our OEM’s, exhibitors and sponsors,” said Danny Phillips, executive vice president of Advanstar's powersports division. “The newly created position fits perfectly with our geographic and feature expansion plans. Growing the IMS brand is very important to Advanstar, and having a devoted IMS sales director matches our company's strategic position of offering customized solutions for our clients and expanding our reach to consumers.”

"I'm excited to join Advanstar's Powersports Group and the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows tour. I'm closely connected to the motorcycle industry and an avid rider," Ausec stated. "When deciding to make a change, I wanted to join a company that offered the best client solutions for the industry and the best emotional experience for consumers. Advanstar is a customer-focused company, with some of the leading brands in the market and a reputation for offering unrivalled marketing solutions."

Ausec holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from the University of California-Irvine. He resides in Corona, Calif., with wife, Jamie, and two daughters, Paige and Payton. He will be based in Advanstar's Santa Monica, Calif., corporate headquarters.